RCB Names Malolan Rangarajan as New Head Coach Ahead of WPL 2026 Season

Royal Challengers Bengaluru have ushered in a new coaching era ahead of the 2026 Women’s Premier League season, confirming the promotion of Malolan Rangarajan as head coach. The move follows the departure of Luke Williams, who guided the franchise to its maiden WPL title in 2024. Rangarajan, who served as Williams’ deputy for two seasons, now steps into the top role as the team prepares for a major rebuilding phase.

A former domestic cricketer who represented Tamil Nadu and Uttarakhand, Rangarajan has become one of the most familiar faces within the RCB ecosystem. His involvement has spanned both the men’s and women’s teams, working closely with several high-profile coaches including Sanjay Bangar, Mike Hesson, Simon Katich, Andy Flower, and senior players such as Dinesh Karthik. His extensive understanding of the franchise’s culture and its long-term vision is seen as a significant asset as RCB enters a new competitive cycle.

In his first address after the appointment, Rangarajan described the opportunity as both “exciting and humbling,” acknowledging the impact Williams had on shaping the championship-winning side. He highlighted the upcoming mega auction as a pivotal moment for the team, calling it “a chance to redefine the squad while retaining a strong core.” He also emphasised the importance of his three-year working relationship with captain Smriti Mandhana and the existing support staff, underscoring the continuity he aims to preserve even as the team evolves.

RCB have made bold decisions ahead of the auction, retaining only four players and parting ways with several established names including Georgia Wareham, Renuka Singh, Kim Garth, Kate Cross, Sophie Molineux, and Asha Sobhana. The restructuring signals an aggressive approach to squad-building as the franchise prepares for a fresh competitive cycle under new leadership.

Adding further strength to their backroom team, RCB have appointed former England fast bowler Anya Shrubsole as the new bowling coach. A two-time World Cup winner, Shrubsole is regarded as one of the finest pacers in women’s cricket. Her unforgettable spell of 6 for 46 in the 2017 World Cup final remains etched in cricketing history. With 227 international wickets to her name, her presence is expected to elevate RCB’s bowling group significantly.

With new leadership, a redefined support staff and a transformative auction ahead, RCB enter the 2026 season with renewed ambition. The franchise will look to build on its historic title win and push confidently toward the goal of securing consecutive WPL championships, backed by a refreshed vision and strategic stability.